In a big win for the Center Theatre Group, the comedic musical excavation of fairy tales is a rousing success with inspired and enthusiastic performances from the entire cast.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12-14-2024
Sometimes, a fairy tale is not quite a fairy tale, even when young lovers-to-be are battling against impossible odds. Directed by Lear deBessonet with verve and vivaciousness, Once Upon A Mattress with actor Sutton Foster arrives with a spectacular boom onto the Ahmanson stage direct from Broadway. Everything about this comedic musical is nothing less than a true success. Indeed, there is so much to praise that it is hard to know where to start.
First, Mary Rodgers’s music and Marshall Barer’s lyrics are rousing and catchy. The original book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, and Dean Fuller is a fabulous reimagining of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. Finally, the adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino takes the reimaging to another level by placing it squarely into the warped heart of today’s world while being faithful to the fairy tale underpinnings.
Moreover, the scenic design by David Zinn and the costume design by Andrea Hood help to underline the classical fairy tale while feeling innovative. The choreography by Lorin Latarro flows from beginning to end with a bevy of hilarious scenes and madcap movements. Finally, from a technical perspective, the music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell is the driving force of the musical while knowing exactly when to take a back seat to the performances.
Incredibly, with so much excellence already described, the cast’s performances from top to bottom are the most outstanding. As Princess Winnifred, Sutton Foster is a comic dynamo, allowing both her voice and her body to accentuate the role of the swampy invader who finds herself looking for love, soap, grapes, and a good night’s sleep. Goofy and beautiful, Foster realizes the demanding role to the fullest, lighting up the stage with smiles.
Her performance plays perfectly with the wild hijinks of Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless. Verging back and forth between spoiled child and desperate boy-man, he graciously allows his role to highlight the other performances. At the same time, the Prince has a remarkable tendency to punctuate each scene with a truly special moment.
As the villainess of the storyline, Ana Gasteyer is downright powerful as Queen Aggravain. In every scene she is in, the force of her personality takes center stage, and there is no doubt who is in charge of this castle. As her beleaguered husband, King Sextimus the Silent, David Patrick Kelly is something of a revelation. Traveling miles away from his bad guy turns in The Warriors and Dreamscape as a young man, Kelly celebrates the silent character by assuming the physical comedy of silent stars like Buster Keaton and Charle Chaplin. He is an amusing revelation.
Beyond the leading cast members, the supporting team is consistent and capable. In particular, Daniel Breaker, as the Jester, the story’s narrator, is notable for his voice and delightful audience interaction. Kevin del Aguila as the Wizard, Oyoyo Joi as Lady Larken, and Ben Davis as Sir Harry all bring comic flair and precise timing to their roles. Indeed, it is one of the most impressive cast ensembles ever on the Ahmanson stage.
Once Upon A Mattress is an ideal choice if you want a fantastic way to spend a holiday evening. Running until January 5th, the musical will be a joyful experience for the whole family. Indeed, from beginning to end, it represents the best of 21st-century musical theatre by being a touch edge with rousing music and undeniable hilarity.
